A MESSAGE of peace and co-operation between faiths and communities was sent out from an Eid ul Adha celebration in Rochdale.

Civic leaders, imams and worshipers joined in the Eid party at the town's Madina Mosque (pictured).

They heard Imam Shafiq-urRehman, the President of the UK Islamic Mission call for closer ties with the Christian community.

He said: "We like to develop positive working relationship with the local communities so that we break the barriers which exist between Muslims and Christian. Today's function in the mosque is a clear message of peace and love we have for our Christian brothers and sisters."

He was supported by community leader Ghulam Rasul Shahzad who said Muslims believed in all prophets including Jesus and Abraham.

He added: "We are very proud of Rochdale because we have excellent working relationships with one another. The credit goes to all the people who live and work in Rochdale. When there were riots in our neighbouring towns, Rochdale was a peaceful place. We need to continue to make efforts to create better understandings and relationships amongst all the communities so that when we leave Rochdale, we make sure it is safer, more prosperous and more peaceful."